Cars have become one of the essentials that help you to navigate through your modern lifestyle. Whether for daily commute or to enjoy riding through faraway places – a car helps you go wherever you want.
However, have you ever wondered what makes a car move? The engine, of course. It’s a complex machine that converts fuel into a mechanical force so that you can steer in whatever direction you want.
Understanding the working mechanism of the engine is fascinating and empowering, and if you are a car enthusiast, you should have a clear idea of how the car’s engine works. Let’s dive in:
Basics of an Engine:
Almost all cars today have internal combustion engines (ICE). They operate by burning fuel inside cylinders so that they produce power. The power is then transferred to the wheels and allows the car to move.
Key Components of the Engine:
Before going into the working mechanism in detail, let’s know the key components present in the car:
- Cylinders: these are the core components where the combustion of fuel occurs. All the engines may have four, six, eight or even more cylinders that are arranged in different configurations.
- Pistons: The pistons are there inside the cylinders and move up and down. The force with which they move comes from the expanding gases released from the combustion process.
- Crankshaft: they help in converting the up and down motion from the pistons to the rotational force. They are connected to pistons.
- Spark plugs: Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel-air mixture.
- Valves: Valves open and close to allow fuel and air into the cylinder and also to let the exhaust gases exit.
- Camshaft: This part has to control the opening and closing of valves.
- Fuel injector: It is responsible for delivering fuel into the cylinder at precise intervals.
- Timing belt/chain: The chain will synchronise the crankshaft and camshaft.
The Four-stroke cycle:
All modern combustion engines operate on a method called four-stroke cycle. Let’s understand this process:
First, the intake valve opens and the piston moves down. This movement allows the cylinder to be filled up with a mixture of air and fuel.
Then the valve closes and the piston moves up and it compresses the air-fuel mixture.
Now the spark plug ignites and compresses causing a mixture of controlled explosions. It then pushes the piston down which generates power.
This is where the exhaust valve opens and the piston moves up and down expelling exhaust gases.
Types of Engines and Fuel Efficiency
The types of engines that are present in the market:
Inline engines are common in smaller cars, v-engines are seen in powerful cars and there are boxer engines where cylinders lie flat and move horizontally.
The last one is the electric and hybrid engine which is a combination of combustion engines and electric motors that power these vehicles offering greater fuel efficiency.
Supporting Systems:
For the engine to work in optimal condition, there are several systems alongside the engine.
There is a cooling system that prevents the engine from overheating.
A lubricating system is also a supporting system that reduces friction between the moving parts.
There is an exhaust system that removes harmful gases that are produced during combustion. The last supporting system is the ignition system that ensures timely ignition of the fuel-air mixture.
Advancements in Engine Technology
Most modern engines are much more evolved and environment-friendly than the previous engines. Invention of technologies like turbochargers, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing have improved performance and fuel economy.
Final Thoughts
If you have an understanding of how car engines work, you will be marvelled at the knowledge behind it. You will know the internal process of the car and how it provides power to the wheels that allow you to travel anywhere you want. It also helps you to understand why you should never put the wrong fuel in the car. Understanding the car’s engine will help you choose the right fuel and oil so that you can get the maximum life from the car.
Automotive technologies continue to evolve and engines are sure to become more efficient, powerful and environmentally sustainable.
